David J. Valesky

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Senator Valesky joined other local officials and representatives from the Rescue Mission on November 17 for a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the organization's future Emergency Shelter/Day Center facility. Construction has begun on the building, and the project is expected to be finished in late summer 2015. The new facility will increase emergency shelter bed capacity from 132 currently to 183 beds.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – State Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) received the Outstanding Supporter of NY Agriculture Award from NYFarmNet during its annual banquet on November 12 in Auburn.

“It has been my pleasure to work with NY FarmNet for many years, and I am honored to receive this award,” Senator Valesky said. “FarmNet’s expertise is a valuable and vital resource for New York’s farmers who wish to expand their businesses and for the next generation of farmers looking to enter the agricultural industry.”

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – State Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) is holding a coat and blanket drive at the State Office Building in Syracuse now through Friday, December 5 in partnership with InterFaith Works’ Refugee Resettlement program at the Center for New Americans. Refugee families often need coats, blankets, and other household items when they arrive in the United States.

Senator Valesky, chair of the Senate Aging Committee, spoke October 15 to attendees at the New York StateWide Senior Action Council's 2014 convention about state government priorities for older New Yorkers. The New York StateWide Senior Action Council is a grassroots membership organization made up of individual senior citizens and senior citizen clubs from all parts of New York State.

Senator Valesky is hosting a Senior Information Fair at the Kallet Civic Center in Oneida on Thursday, October 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Experts from local businesses, nonprofits and government agencies (listed below) will provide important information on health care, in-home services, health insurance, prescription assistance, housing, avoiding scams, and local services, as well as offer giveaways. All senior citizens in Sen. Valesky’s district are invited to attend this free event.

SYRACUSE—State Senator David J. Valesky today warned the public about reports of scammers attempting to illegally obtain personal information under the guise of confirming their eligibility for a state tax rebate.

“We are aware that scammers are targeting Central New York,” Senator Valesky said. “I urge everyone to be vigilant, to make sure their family and friends are aware of the scam, and to report any incidents to the Attorney General.”

When you look at help-wanted listings across our state, the positions being advertised are for computer network specialists, electricians, machinists, welders and high-tech manufacturing workers. We often hear from employers who say many job applicants for skilled labor or high-tech positions lack the necessary skills to do the job. Additionally, we have a significant number of students who do not finish school, or who graduate without the skills to do well in college or the job market.

Providing a Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway to high school graduation helps solve this problem, but time to act is ticking.

SYRACUSE—This week, Governor Cuomo signed into law S.7893, sponsored by Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) which requires every insurance policy to include equipment and supplies necessary for the treatment of ostomies.

An ostomy is a surgically created opening connecting an internal organ to the abdomen, caused by many different conditions, including cancer, bowel disease, birth defects and injury. Different kinds of ostomies are named for the organ involved, such as a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy.

CICERO—Dozens of children made quick work of breaking in a brand new playground at Cicero Central Park on Sept. 23, thanks to a grant by State Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida).

Valesky directed $100,000 in capital funds to the Town of Cicero to build an inclusive play area at Central Park. The Town tore up an old tennis court that was in disrepair and replaced it with brightly colored playground equipment suited for children of all ages and physical abilities, including slides, swings and a rock climbing wall.

“I was pleased to direct this grant to the town for the play area,” Senator Valesky said. “This project fills a need for Central Park and provides a safe and fun environment for kids.”

Syracuse, NY – State Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) is taking part in the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York’s (NOFA-NY) Locavore Challenge, which it holds each September to inspire awareness and action in eating locally and organically through events and activities around the state and online.

“We are fortunate to live in an area with a strong agricultural base and where locally produced foods are so readily available,” Senator Valesky said. “I encourage everyone to take advantage of the abundance of produce at our farmers’ markets, to support restaurants that buy local food products and to take part in the Locavore Challenge themselves.”

Senator David J. Valesky is one of the judges for the AT&T Central New York Civic App Challenge, a two-month virtual hackathon in which developers are encouraged to "Solve Local" by building smartphone apps that serve Central New Yorkers. Winners will receive cash prizes totaling $18,000. The challenge, which will be facilitated by Hack Upstate, was announced September 11 at The Tech Garden and will run until November 11. Coders, designers and technologists can register for the challenge and get more information at attcny.hackupstate.com.

The AARP report clearly shows that our aging population has serious concerns about its financial security and quality of life in New York State. While we have made some progress on reducing the property tax burden and ensuring access to affordable health care, there is much more to be done to ensure the 50+ demographic stays in New York.

At NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli's breakfast on August 28, Senator Valesky found out he had $421 in unclaimed funds available! Visit the Comptroller's booth in the Center of Progress building at the Fair, or search online to see if you do too.

Senator Valesky is hosting a Health and Civic Engagement Fair at the Southwest Community Center on Friday, August 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This free event is open to all area residents. The nonprofit and government agencies listed below will have tables at the fair and provide important information on health care, free smoke detectors, healthy living, long-term elder care, job hunting, prescription payment assistance, and more, as well as offer giveaways. Flu shots will be available (bring insurance card, cash, or check), along with other health screenings. For more information, call the district office at 478-8745.

Congratulations to Tyler O'Connor, 7, for winning Senator Valesky's Summer Art Contest in the 10 and under category out of all entries from the Town of Sullivan Playground Program. Tyler's winning artwork is shown in the inset.

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